A to Z Herbarium: Fern

Fern

Rain-making, Protection, Health, Luck, Wealth

Back in the day, people didn’t know how ferns reproduced since they don’t have seeds, so this has led to some interesting folklore. In the Middle Ages, people believed ferns flowered and produced seeds at midnight on Midsummer’s Eve. But, since they couldn’t see said flowers or seeds, they believed them to be invisible. It was believed that if you witnessed the fern flowering or managed to collect the seeds, you could become invisible, see into the future, or be granted eternal youth.

Burning dried fern indoors will ward away evil spirits. Placing fern in vases with flowers has protective properties, as does planting it at the doorstep. Burning fern outdoors will bring rain, and the smoke will keep away snakes. Carrying or wearing fern will lead one to hidden treasure, while breaking the first fern of spring will bring good luck. Alternatively, biting down on the first fern of spring will ward off toothaches for a year.

Many different varieties of fern can be used to treat many different ailments, including arthritis, coughs, stomach aches, fever, pneumonia, infections, and snake bites, to name a few. Some ferns are poisonous though, so don’t go chomping on any random variety.

I have always loved the look a ferns, I think that they are beautiful. That was the extent of my knowledge though. I really enjoyed your post because I learned some interesting facts. Nicely written. Thanks you for sharing.

Boston ferns are excellent air cleaners. After Hurricane Katrina, folks in New Orleans got a cough from exposure to formaldehyde in temporary trailers. They were advised to place 10 Boston ferns in the trailer to clear the air — New Orleans having the perfect temperature and humidity for these helpful plants.

Hi Sara – loved this info on ferns … I’ve always loved them – they grace the hedgerows and copses in the south west – particularly Cornwall … warm and damp … and they are beautiful … interesting facts … cheers Hilary

I’ve hiked through forests where the ground was covered in ferns (I can remember misty mornings with such hikes along the Appalachian Trail). They were magical. I didn’t realize that because you can’t see the seeds that people thought they had magical powers.

Unfurling ferns have always seem magical to me – but imagining “invisible” seeds just puts them over the top for me. I’d be one of those watching at midnight on Midsummer’s Eve, and hoping for invisibility myself.

Unfurling ferns do seem magical. Waiting for a glimpse of an invisible flower/seed sounds like it could be a fun night out, at any rate. Either that, or terribly boring. Depends on the company, I suppose. 😉